Surveying gear isn’t cheap and if you’ve ever had a total station or GPS unit go down in the middle of a job, you know how much that hurts. Keeping your tools in top shape saves you time, money, and headaches.
As a trusted survey supply company in Marin County, we’ve spent generations helping surveyors, contractors, and developers keep their equipment running strong. So, we put together a list of the most common questions we get about survey equipment care, with straight answers you can actually use.
Let’s dive in.
A good rule of thumb? Every six months.
But if you’re working in rough conditions, lots of vibration, heat, or moisture, you’ll want to do it more often. Calibration keeps your readings true, and that’s key when every inch matters.
Treat your instruments like the precision tools they are.
Here’s the short version:
If you’ve been working near saltwater or heavy clay, rinse gently with fresh water before drying. It’s a small step that prevents the need for replacement surveying gear prematurely.
Tossing it around.
We see it all the time, gear bouncing around in the back of a truck, tripods clanging together. That’s a fast track to alignment issues and cracked lenses.
Always:
We stock tough, field-ready cases that can take a beating, so you don’t have to worry about damage on the road.
They might seem basic, but they’re easy to overlook.
A little maintenance here goes a long way toward steady readings and fewer field frustrations.
Your batteries are like the heartbeat of your equipment, take care of them!
Here’s what to do:
We carry OEM chargers and batteries here in Marin County if you need replacements or help troubleshooting power issues.
You bet it can.
Heat, moisture, dust, and even sunlight can all wear down seals, buttons, and sensors over time. Try to:
It might sound like overkill, but those simple habits can easily add years to your equipment’s life.
If your readings seem off or something feels loose or foggy, don’t ignore it.
Getting it checked early usually means a quick, affordable fix, waiting too long can mean a major repair.
Never use alcohol or paper towels, they’ll scratch or cloud your lenses.
Stick with:
If you’re not sure how to do it, bring your gear by. We’ll show you exactly how to clean it safely, takes just a few minutes.
That’s a classic question. If your equipment still works accurately and integrates with your workflow, there’s no reason to replace it yet. But if software updates or compatibility issues start slowing you down, upgrading might save time (and frustration) in the long run.
We’re happy to help you figure out what makes sense financially before you make a big decision.
Good survey equipment can last for years, even decades, with a little care. Clean it, store it right, and check it regularly. And when you need a hand, your local survey supply company in Marin County, that’s us at Stevenson Supply & Tractor Co., is always here to help you get the most from your investment.
Call us today at (707) 575-3335 or contact us online now to learn more.
